 It was recently announced that Singapore-based Stamford Law plans to pair with US law firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius – the largest law firm in the United States of America. This integration is the first full intemationalisation of a Singapore law firm, done with the aim of establishing Morgan Lewis Stamford Law as a global legal powerhouse within a key Asia regional hub. Officially taking effect on April 1, the newly merged firm will serve as a centre for the global firm’s Asia practice, and all directors of Stamford Law will be admitted as partners of the single Morgan Lewis global partnership. For a foreign law firm to set up an office in Singapore, it must either use a foreign law practice structure or a qualifying foreign law practice structure. The former scheme allows a foreign law firm to practise foreign law in Singapore and the latter allows the practising of Singapore commercial law. Other applicable platforms include joint legal ventures and foreign law alliances, which let firms enter into licensed collaborative arrangements to provide their clients with advice in permitted areas of Singapore law. None of the above methods were used in this case, as this represents a true integration, previously unprecedented in extent and structure. Instead, Morgan Lewis Stamford will be fully merged with the other 28 Morgan Lewis offices globally, and will be able to offer both foreign law and Singapore law counsel in all areas, though Singapore law work will solely be undertaken by Singapore lawyers. Stamford Law’s Chair and Senior Director Suet Fern Lee on the merger stated “This combination elevates our practice into the global legal arena and will provide extensive opportunities for our lawyers, many of whom are Singapore qualified legal practicioners, to undertake much larger, more complex and in-depth cross-border legal transactions for many of the largest and most dynamic global corporations. The combined practice will also bring significant work, skills and opportunities for Singapore and will contribute towards the growth of, and opportunities for Singapore as an international and regional legal hub – through further exports of legal services to the region.” Giving her thoughts, Jami McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis referred to Stamford Law as “a Singapore-based gem that is recognised around the globe for the quality and complexity of its work”, adding “We are confident that our Singapore office will develop into a significant regional hub for our global legal operations and are excited to be part of this growing and vibrant legal business and community”. Click here to see ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL’s exclusive interview with Stamford Law’s Chair and Senior Director Suet Fern Lee in The thing about…Suet Fern Lee |
